Final answer:
The African novel originated in the oral tradition and developed with the introduction of written language. Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart' is an early example, addressing themes of colonialism. Numerous African authors have contributed to the development of the African novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Origin and Development of the African Novel
The African novel has its origins in the oral tradition, where stories were passed down from generation to generation through storytelling. With the arrival of Europeans and the introduction of written language, African writers began to publish their works in the novel form.
One of the earliest examples of the African novel is Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart', published in 1958. This novel explores themes of colonialism and the clash between traditional African values and the forces of modernity.
Since then, numerous African authors have made significant contributions to the development of the African novel. Some notable examples include Ngugi wa Thiong'o's 'A Grain of Wheat', Tsitsi Dangarembga's 'Nervous Conditions', and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 'Half of a Yellow Sun'.
Learn more about Origin and development of the African novel